a big anniversary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big anniversary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant milestone or celebration of an event, such as a wedding or company founding. Example: "We are planning a grand celebration for our parents' big anniversary this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Jordan will toast a big anniversary in 2012 – the 200th anniversary of the "discovery" of Petra.

Independent

"But didn't he just have a big anniversary party a few years ago?

The New York Times

While you weren't looking, a big anniversary has been creeping into view.

The New York Times

"It's a big anniversary -- everybody is celebrating," said Mr. Macal, discussing the pieces he chose.

The New York Times

Most orchestras would mark a big anniversary with as much pomp and circumstance as they could muster, but not the Berlin Philharmonic.

The Guardian - Music

As Monteverdi's magnificent 1610 Vespers gathers momentum in its inexorable march through a big anniversary year, it quickly becomes evident that comparisons, however odious, are inevitable.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

And there's a very big anniversary coming up next week — the start of the Iraq war.

The New York Times

That doesn't mean he doesn't do great Beethoven or Mozart, but I love his Italianità." "Macbeth," the last performance of which is Sunday in Chicago, was an unlikely choice for the big anniversary.

The New York Times - Arts

It would have to be a huge party to match the last big anniversary, the 300th, in 1909.

The New York Times

Nylon magazine gave a big eighth anniversary party.

The New York Times

When magazines have a signature issue, a regular yearly treat that endures for decades, they customarily celebrate with a big blowout anniversary issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big anniversary" to highlight an event or achievement of notable significance; it is particularly effective when emphasizing the scale or impact of the milestone.

Common error

Avoid using "a big anniversary" without providing specific details about the event or its significance. Vague language can diminish the impact of your message. Instead, specify why the anniversary is important and what it commemorates.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big anniversary" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig, it denotes an important or significant milestone that is being celebrated or commemorated. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big anniversary" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to an important or significant milestone. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions to highlight the importance of a particular year or event. While its register is generally neutral, it is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you provide sufficient detail about the specific anniversary to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "a significant milestone" or "a major celebration" can be used depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant milestone

Emphasizes the importance of the event being commemorated.

an important jubilee

Uses a more formal term for a significant anniversary.

a major celebration

Focuses on the celebratory aspect of the anniversary.

a notable commemoration

Highlights the act of remembering an event.

a landmark occasion

Stresses the historical importance of the anniversary.

a special year

Broader term, focusing on the year itself being significant.

a memorable event

Emphasizes the lasting impact of the anniversary.

a key milestone

Highlights the importance of the anniversary as a marker of progress.

a prominent year

Similar to "a special year", but with a stronger emphasis on importance.

a weighty occasion

Emphasizes the solemnity or seriousness of the anniversary.

FAQs

How can I use "a big anniversary" in a sentence?

You can use "a big anniversary" to refer to an important milestone or celebration. For example, "The company is planning a special event for "a big anniversary" next year".

What are some alternatives to saying "a big anniversary"?

Alternatives include "a significant milestone", "an important jubilee", or "a major celebration", depending on the context.

Is "a big anniversary" formal or informal?

"A big anniversary" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "a significant milestone" may be preferred in some situations.

What makes an anniversary "big"?

A "big" anniversary typically refers to a milestone that is considered particularly important or noteworthy, such as a 10th, 25th, 50th, or 100th anniversary. It often implies a significant impact, achievement, or duration.